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Four miles northwest
of Belton via Texas 317 north,
then FM 2271 west.
About eighty miles from Austin.
Lake
Belton is a 12,300-acre impoundment of the Leon River. Numerous creeks, coves
and long peninsulas make the lake scenic and account for over one hundred miles
of shoreline. Built by the Army Corps of Engineers between 1949 and 1954, Belton
Dam is 3,800 feet long and 172 feet high. Lake Belton extends to the boundaries
of Mother Neff
State Park, the first park in the state system. The lake provides water for
nearby Fort Hood
and spans Bell and Coryell counties. A mural on the east side of Belton Dam tells
the story of this area's history. Lake Belton is calm and has lots of swimming
docks and picnic areas. Of the thirteen public parks, three have swimming beaches:
Cedar Ridge, Westcliff and Temple's Lake.
Miller's
Spring ParkOf
interest is Miller's Spring Park created when Lake Belton overflowed in 1992,
carving out a huge canyon and wetland. This area is now a nature preserve referred
to as the 'Miracle Mile', and includes a boardwalk trail that is fully accessible
to people with disabilities. Hiking is allowed but swimming is not. Open dawn
to dusk.
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Belton
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View
of Lake Belton from Belton Dam
Photo courtesy Chandra Moira Beal |
From
IH35, take TX 36 north to FM 2305, then to the north side of the dam on FM 2271.
Claiming 172 acres on Lake Belton, this park is the best for swimming. A sandy
beach is roped off, and there are open, grassy areas with shade. Several peninsulas
create protected swimming areas. A bathhouse with showers is nearby. Boat rentals
are available, as well as skin diving and Scuba equipment. Camping facilities
dot the park. Private and group picnic areas have a great view of the lake. Pets
are okay on leashes. There is plenty of parking.
Day use fee
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Temple
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